Why canine restrictions in a small group will be the tipping level for larger change
You will have but to listen to in regards to the new leash legal guidelines in Tofino, a small resort city on the west coast of Canada.
Previously, Tofino was one of many final locations in North America the place canine and folks may get pleasure from freedom on spectacular seashores in peace and concord. Right here is a photograph of the realm.
Nonetheless, the Tofino Council lately authorized a bylaw that requires canine to be leashed in all public areas, together with the seashores. Whereas the Council made this determination with one of the best intentions, there’s way more to contemplate.
There was rising proof that off-leash time is important for our canine’ bodily and psychological well being, however the determination to ban off-leash canine impacts the group extra deeply.
Tofino is exclusive as a group the place folks from around the globe go to to benefit from the unspoiled wilderness, superb seashores, and relaxed and tolerant ambiance — of which completely happy and freed canine are half.
Though minor at first look, the brand new group bylaw displays a steady erosion of freedoms for canine lovers and our society. Means too usually, a number of loud voices spoil it for everybody.
That is why I’ve written a letter to the Council in Tofino, expressing these ideas and asking them to rethink the brand new leash legal guidelines.
To make them hear, we have to unite as a group.
And whereas a few of you is probably not instantly affected by the scenario in Tofino, it’s possible you’ll face related issues in your individual group. I hope that my letter will encourage you to put in writing to your metropolis council to result in change on your canine too.
40% of households in North America reside with canine. Till now, we now have broadly accepted the gradual erosion of freedom for our canine, however it’s time to arise.
Individuals who reside with canine are more healthy and happier. Canines with loads of off-leash time reside longer and are way more socially adjusted, which prevents aggression, fearfulness, and different issues.
By signing this petition, we will present the Tofino Council that our canine group is open to discussing higher options.
Be sure you share the petition with as many individuals as doable. The extra assist we collect, the extra highly effective our message turns into.
Let’s be part of forces to assist our canine and our group. Let’s make a distinction collectively! 
Pricey Honourable Council Members of Tofino,
I hope this letter finds you nicely. I’m writing to precise my deep concern over the latest modifications made relating to the Tofino group’s canine leash bylaws, which now require all canine to be leashed in all public areas, together with our lovely and wild seashores.
Tofino has lengthy been a haven for people and canine alike, offering a refuge from our busy lives and giving us a way of freedom in an in any other case complicated world. Residents and guests come right here to benefit from the ocean and wilderness and spend time with our canine companions. There’s a common understanding that completely happy and free canine are very a lot a part of the character of Tofino and are sometimes featured in resort brochures and adverts.
As a veterinarian with over 30 years of expertise, I’m intimately conscious of the significance of canine in folks’s lives and the way essential off-leash time is for his or her bodily and emotional well-being.
I’ve witnessed the stark distinction in canine behaviour in numerous places worldwide. For instance, in Vancouver, the place leashing has turn into more and more obligatory and canine are usually disallowed on seashores, we now have seen an increase in canine aggression and conflicts. In distinction, in Prague, the place canine are given off-leash freedom nearly anyplace, and canine guardians are trusted to make accountable selections, you hardly ever see any issues as a result of most canine are socially well-adjusted. The distinction is hanging.
The problem at hand in Tofino doesn’t solely concern canine homeowners however the group at massive. With roughly 40% of Canadian households proudly owning canine, canine lovers characterize a major demographic of taxpayers and voters, and it appears solely honest that our views are thought of when drafting pet-related bylaws.
Having spent 27 years behind the Iron Curtain, I’ve additionally developed a deep appreciation for the significance of particular person freedom, a price that almost all Canadians maintain expensive.
Because of this it deeply saddens me to look at the gradual erosion of our liberties and to float towards pointless restrictions and overregulation. Historical past has proven that an excessive amount of management usually results in extra issues and that everybody wins when folks have the liberty to create a group constructed on belief and respect.
Though canine leash bylaws could seem minor, they point out an overarching sample of accelerating restrictions that threaten our cherished liberties and democracy. Good municipal authorities must be about trusting folks and provoking them to construct a vibrant and thriving group of assist and respect.
There are, undoubtedly, canine which may be harmful, as some folks pose threats to public security. Nonetheless, it might be unfair and unwise to impose restrictions on the complete group due to the actions of some. As a substitute, we should always concentrate on coping with those that endanger the security of others, be they canine or people, with out infringing upon the rights of the accountable majority.
Furthermore, we should not succumb to the impression that the preferences of a vocal minority are the desires of most individuals. I’ve additionally noticed an increase in cultural or private disliking of canine lately. I really like Canada for its multicultural society that respects and accommodates various views and customs. Nonetheless, we should always not accomplish that on the expense of the freedoms of a considerable proportion of its residents.
Canines undoubtedly provide limitless advantages to our well being and well-being. They’re confirmed allies in combating psychological illness, melancholy, loneliness, and suicide and assist us reside longer, more healthy, and happier lives.
Society should reassess our strategy to laws and acknowledge our canine as valued relations. Because of this I’ve determined to strategy you, the Council of Tofino, and suggest a complete evaluate of the matter, factoring in scientific proof, group views, and the long-term significance of preserving our freedoms.
Canine lovers in Tofino are prepared and keen to interact in constructive discussions and recognize your understanding and consideration of our views. We’re assured that we will discover a balanced answer that serves one of the best pursuits of all Tofino residents and guests — each two-legged and 4.
Thanks on your consideration to this essential matter.
With gratitude,
Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM